Dear Parent/Carer

Over these past few months we’ve seen an unprecedented level of use of the word “unprecedented”, and here goes again. I’ve certainly never had to deal with a staff crisis like this. All week we’ve been running with 16-18 teachers absent, making the usual timetable impossible to deliver for most kids. Our absences are due to Covid 19 cases, self isolation and other illnesses or personal circumstances. Thanks for your patience, understanding and support for our efforts to keep meaningful learning alive in the circumstances. As far as we can tell, and I spoke with many seniors yesterday, the “blended learning” programme, with S5/6 out of school on Tuesday and Wednesday went quite well for most of our students. We’d certainly be happy to take any feedback and suggestions. We’ve also relied on the goodwill and dedication of the staff we have in school. On your behalf, I thank them sincerely.

Next week’s staffing situation does not look any better and I am sorry to have to report that we will once more have to rely on short term blended learning, this time for S4 as well as S5/6. Of course, we would only be doing this as a last resort. I can assure you that we have explored all the other options, and have hired more temporary staff.

Next week’s learning will be delivered as follows;

• S4 In school on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Learning at home on Tuesday and Wednesday
• S5/6 In school Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Learning at home on Thursday.

We think that this is the fairest possible way of allocating the staff we have. I hope you will appreciate that we are continuing to have S1-3 in school on the basis that child care might be a problem for some families. S5/6 are at home next Thursday, but this is only half the time compared to this week and based on a different day’s timetable. I really do think that this is the best of a bad job. At least it’s planned and I am able to give you reasonable notice so you can make any arrangements. It’s also the case that we have a significant level of pupil absence in any case (some Covid related) and “blended learning” is the best option available.

To assist with home learning, I’m attaching a copy of a resource which all of our Senior Phase pupils will be receiving as a paper booklet. It explains how to upload work on “TEAMS” and make best use of online learning platforms and digital learning resources.

There is, I’m fairly sure, some good news. After next week, the self isolation period is over for many of our teachers and they can resume their duties. I’m also hopeful that many of those currently unwell will be returning. I do not want to make any rash promises, but I am very optimistic that after the week ahead, we will not need to resort to home learning again this side of the Christmas holidays. At one point I genuinely feared that, like Pathhead, we would have to close completely, but we are weathering this storm. Thanks for all your support and understanding throughout its raging.

Thanks also to those of you who joined us for the Parent Council meeting online on Tuesday evening. It was particularly well attended, and we had an excellent discussion around our Positive Relationships Policy and SQA Qualifications. Of course, it was also a chance to go into a bit more detail about our recent Covid cases, the contact tracing process and self-isolation requirements. I am especially grateful to Gillian McIntyre, who did another excellent job of chairing the meeting. It can’t be easy with all those wee faces on screen, but Gillian kept it all moving along well and allowed everyone their say.

Next week we’ll see the end of self-isolation for most of the young people affected by our recent Covid cases. Also next week, our newly appointed House Captains and Vice Captains have organised their first event which will be launched on Wed 2 Dec. They have created a video to introduce themselves and information on how to sign up for the ’12 Days Of Christmas’ wellbeing event. Pupils can sign up via a QR code and record how far they walk through STRAVA (you may recall a similar event was organised by the PE Department during lockdown). There will be a prizes for each house and for those pupils who can walk/run the furthest. More house competitions will run in the New Year.

A wee bit of staffing news for you. After interviews earlier this week, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Miss Emily Thorburn to the position of Principal Teacher of English (supporting Mrs Hume). Miss Thorburn currently teaches at Wester Hailes Education Centre in Edinburgh and is excited at the prospect of joining the team here after the Christmas break. I am very grateful to Mr Davis, who had been “acting up” in this position and has done a terrific job. I know that Mrs Hume and all the English team have appreciated Mr Davis’ support and benefited from his considerable experience in KHS. Thank you very much Mr Davis.

Also, many thanks and well done to another of our own staff, Mr Paterson of the Modern Studies Department, who is taking on the role of our “DYW” coordinator. This is the Scottish Government initiative to develop better links between schools and business/industry. It’s about “developing the young workforce” and Mr Paterson will be organising work placements, site visits, guest speakers and the like. He’ll work with business partners and Skills Development Scotland to help our kids achieve a “positive destination” on leaving. He is a particularly good fit as he worked in this field in Dundee before entering teaching. I must thank Miss Malcolm of the PE Department, who held this role until recently. She did a brilliant job but is now keen to focus more on PE. That said, she will support Mr Paterson and continue to look after the “Career Ready” programme.

Finally, next week we’ll be marking World Aids Day on Tuesday 1 December and our young people can help themselves to a wee red ribbon and a leaflet left out near reception. It’s the kind of thing we’d usually do at assemblies. We’ll also have a focus on Disability History Month in December with activities being put together by our student led Equalities Group. We want to challenge the prejudice and disadvantage faced by disabled people, including those with hidden disabilities. That would be another assembly but, well, you know, these are unprecedented times.

You take care.

Derek Allan

RECTOR

November 27 2020